JP2007295211A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus capable of reading/writing information to/from a storage medium by means of radio communication that can read or write the information without receiving noise effected by an electromagnetic wave attended with an image recording operation. <P>SOLUTION: The MFP 100 acting like the image recording apparatus includes: a CCD read unit 3 for reading an image of an original; an RF reader/writer 8 for reading/writing the information to/from an RFID tag of the original through the radio communication; and a recording section 7 for recording the image on recording paper, and the MFP 100 does not simultaneously carry out a reading operation or a write operation of the RF reader/writer 8 and the recording operation of the CCD read unit 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus capable of reading and writing information from and to a storage medium by wireless communication.

  By reading information from the storage medium attached to the document, various information about the document can be acquired. In recent years, it has been proposed to use an IC chip of an RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) tag from which information is read out by wireless communication as such a storage medium.

Patent Document 1 includes a reading unit that optically reads a code of a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and a reading unit that reads information from an RFID tag by radio waves. The reading operation of these reading units has a time difference. Thus, there is disclosed a composite code reading apparatus that enables high-precision reading without causing other reading means to receive noise due to electromagnetic waves generated during a reading operation.
JP 2001-52105 A

  However, in an image recording apparatus, when an image recording operation is performed, electromagnetic waves are generated due to static electricity due to recording paper conveyance, leakage due to contact failure of the photosensitive drum, voltage change due to high voltage control / charging control, and the like. Since information is read from the RFID tag by wireless communication, there is a problem that noise may be received due to the influence of electromagnetic waves accompanying the image recording operation, and the accuracy of reading and writing information may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image recording apparatus capable of reading and writing information from and to a storage medium by wireless communication, the image recording apparatus receives noise due to the influence of electromagnetic waves accompanying an image recording operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus that can read or write information without any problem.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image recording apparatus according to claim 1 includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document, a reading unit that reads information from a storage medium attached to the document by wireless communication, and an image recording device. Recording means for recording on a sheet, and the reading operation of the reading means and the recording operation of the recording means are not performed simultaneously.

  An image recording apparatus according to a second aspect is the image recording apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a start instruction receiving unit that receives a start instruction for a recording operation of the recording unit or a reading operation of the reading unit. When the accepting means accepts an instruction to start the recording operation of the recording means and the reading means is performing a read operation, the recording means starts the recording operation after the read means finishes the read operation, If the recording unit is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading unit, the reading unit starts the reading operation after the recording unit completes the recording operation. It is characterized by that.

  The image recording apparatus according to claim 3 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reading unit reads an image of a document and the reading unit wirelessly reads information from a storage medium attached to the document. When the simultaneous reading and reading setting to be read by communication is set, when the recording unit is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading unit, the recording unit The reading means starts the reading operation after finishing the recording operation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image recording apparatus of the third aspect, the reading unit reads the image of the document by the reading unit, and the reading unit wirelessly determines whether or not a storage medium is attached to the document. When the simultaneous detection reading setting to be detected by communication is set, regardless of whether or not the recording unit is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading unit. The reading unit starts a reading operation.

  The image recording apparatus according to claim 5 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the reading means detects the presence of a storage medium. The reading operation is stopped, notification that the image of the original is read again is made, and the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set.

  An image recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the reading unit moves a scanning carriage that moves along a document placing plate. The document placed on the plate is scanned to read the image of the document, and the reading means is provided in the scanning carriage.

  The image recording apparatus according to claim 7 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reading unit reads information from a storage medium attached to the document placed on the document placing plate. The scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position.

  An image recording apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the reading unit reads an image of the document placed on the document placement plate as the scanning carriage moves. The reading unit reads information from a storage medium attached to the document, and after the reading unit has read all the images of the document, the scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position.

  The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a recording unit that records an image on a recording sheet; and a writing unit that writes information to a storage medium attached to the recording sheet by wireless communication. The recording operation and the writing operation of the writing means are not performed simultaneously.

  An image recording apparatus according to claim 10 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising start instruction receiving means for receiving a start instruction for a recording operation of the recording means or a writing operation of the writing means, If the writing means is performing a writing operation when the start instruction receiving means receives an instruction to start the recording operation of the recording means, the recording means records after the writing means finishes the writing operation. When the recording unit is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the writing operation of the writing unit, the recording unit ends the recording operation and then the recording unit performs the recording operation. The writing means starts a writing operation.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the first aspect, the reading operation of the reading unit and the recording operation of the recording unit are not performed simultaneously. For this reason, the reading means can read information without receiving noise due to the influence of electromagnetic waves accompanying the recording operation of the recording means, and there is no possibility that the information reading accuracy will be lowered.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the second aspect, when the start instruction receiving unit receives the start instruction of the recording operation of the recording unit and the reading unit performs the reading operation, the reading unit ends the reading operation. Later, the recording means starts the recording operation. Further, if the recording means is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving means receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading means, the reading means starts the reading operation after the recording means finishes the recording operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the reading operation of the reading unit and the recording operation of the recording unit from being performed at the same time, and there is no possibility that the information reading accuracy will be lowered.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the third aspect, when the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set, the recording unit performs a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading unit. The reading means starts the reading operation after the recording means finishes the recording operation. Therefore, even when the simultaneous reading and reading setting in which the reading operation of the reading unit and the reading operation of the reading unit are performed simultaneously is set, the reading operation of the reading unit and the recording operation of the recording unit are performed simultaneously. This can be surely prevented, and there is no possibility that the information reading accuracy will be lowered.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the recording unit performs a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading unit. Regardless of whether it is present or not, the reading means starts the reading operation. When the reading means detects the storage medium by wireless communication, it is not necessary to read information with high accuracy, and therefore it is allowed to receive noise due to the influence of electromagnetic waves accompanying the recording operation of the recording means. Therefore, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the reading operation of the reading unit and the detection operation of the reading unit are performed at the same time, regardless of whether the recording unit is performing the recording operation, and is necessary for the operation. Time can be shortened.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the fifth aspect, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, when the reading unit detects the presence of the storage medium, the reading unit stops the reading operation, and the original image is again displayed. Informs that reading is to be performed, and sets simultaneous reading and reading settings. Therefore, the user can recognize that the storage medium is attached to the document. In addition, by automatically setting the simultaneous reading and reading setting, it is possible to reliably read information from the storage medium of the document to be read next, and the user has to set the simultaneous reading and reading setting. Can be omitted.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the sixth aspect, the reading unit scans the document placed on the document placement plate by scanning the scanning carriage that moves along the document placement plate and reads the image of the document. Reading means is provided on the scanning carriage. Therefore, when the simultaneous reading reading setting and the simultaneous detection reading setting are set, the reading carriage reads the original placed on the original placing plate by moving the scanning carriage along the original placing plate. The operation and the reading operation or the detecting operation of the reading means can be performed simultaneously. Even when the scanning carriage is not moved, both the reading unit and the reading unit are provided in the scanning carriage, so that the reading operation of the reading unit and the reading operation or the detecting operation of the reading unit can be performed on an adjacent document. It is possible to carry out at the same time. Therefore, the apparatus cost, the apparatus volume, and the like can be suppressed by simplifying the structure of the apparatus.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the seventh aspect, when the reading unit reads information from the storage medium attached to the document placed on the document placing plate, the scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position. Therefore, it is not necessary to return the scanning carriage to the standby position when there is an instruction to start reading information from the next document. Therefore, since the read operation can be started immediately when a read start instruction is issued, the time required for the read operation can be shortened.

  According to the image recording apparatus of claim 8, the reading unit reads an image of the document placed on the document placing plate as the scanning carriage moves, and the reading unit is attached to the document. After the information is read out and the reading unit has read all the images of the document, the scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position. Therefore, it is not necessary to return the scanning carriage to the standby position when there is an instruction to start reading the image of the next document or reading information. Accordingly, since the reading operation and the reading operation can be started immediately when these start instructions are given, the time required for these operations can be shortened.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the ninth aspect, the recording operation of the recording means and the writing operation of the writing means are not performed simultaneously. Therefore, the writing means can write information without receiving noise due to the influence of the electromagnetic waves accompanying the recording operation of the recording means, and there is no possibility that the information writing accuracy will be lowered.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the tenth aspect, when the writing means is performing the writing operation when the start instruction receiving means receives the start instruction of the recording operation of the recording means, the writing means writes After the operation is finished, the recording means starts the recording operation. Further, if the recording means is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving means accepts an instruction to start the writing operation of the writing means, the writing means performs the writing operation after the recording means finishes the recording operation. Start. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the writing operation of the writing means and the recording operation of the recording means from being performed at the same time, and there is no possibility that the information writing accuracy will be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an MFP (Multiple Functional Peripheral) 100 equipped with an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a control unit (MPU: Microprocessing Unit) 1, an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 2, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) reading unit 3, and image processing. Unit 4, codec (CODEC: Coder and Decoder) 5, image memory 6, recording unit 7, RF (Radio Frequency) reader / writer 8, operation unit 9, notification unit 10, ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, RAM (Random Access) The memory 1, the modem 13, and the NCU (Network Control Unit) 14 are provided, and the units 1 to 14 are communicably connected via a bus 15.

  The MFP 100 configured as described above includes a reading (scanner) function in which the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of an original, a copying (copying) function in which an image of the original read by the CCD reading unit 3 is recorded on a recording sheet, and a CCD reading unit. A facsimile transmission function for transmitting image data of a document read by the document 3 to an external apparatus via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 16, and facsimile reception for receiving image data from an external apparatus via the PSTN 16 and recording it on a recording sheet It has a function. Control unit 1 controls the operation of each unit of MFP 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2 showing the upper part of the MFP 100, the ADF 2 transports the originals placed on the original tray 21 one by one along the conveyance path 22, and then a discharge tray 23 positioned below the original tray 21. The document presser cover 102 is pivotally supported to be freely opened and closed by a document table 101 that functions as an FBS (Flat Bed Scanner). The ADF 2 includes a paper feed roller 24 that supplies the document on the document tray 21 to the conveyance path 22, a conveyance roller 25 that conveys the document supplied to the conveyance path 22, and a document that is conveyed along the conveyance path 22. A paper discharge roller 26 and the like for discharging the paper are provided. Further, although not shown, a detection sensor for detecting whether or not a document is placed on the paper discharge tray 23 is provided.

  The CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document and acquires image data, and is built in the document placing table 101. The CCD reading unit 3 includes a light source 31 that irradiates light on a document, a plurality of reflection mirrors 32 for guiding reflected light from the document in a predetermined direction, a condensing lens 33 that converges reflected light from the document, and converged light. A reduction optical system reading unit configured to include a CCD line sensor 34 and the like that converts and outputs an electrical signal, and drives the platen glass 101a (not shown) disposed on the top surface of the document table 101. A light source 31 and a part of the reflection mirror 32 are disposed on a scanning carriage 35 that reciprocates horizontally by a mechanism. Further, although not shown, a detection sensor is provided for detecting whether or not a document is placed on the platen glass 101a and the size of the placed document.

  When the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of an original as an FBS, the scanning carriage 35 moves horizontally with respect to the platen glass 101a from a standby position (position shown in FIG. 2) located below the platen glass 101b. The original placed on 101a is scanned, and the reflected light from the original is guided to the CCD line sensor 34 to form an image. In addition, when the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of the original conveyed by the ADF 2, the reflected light from the original passing through the reading position P is received from the CCD line at the standby position where the scanning carriage 35 is positioned below the platen glass 101b. It leads to the sensor 34 and forms an image.

  The image processing unit 4 performs image processing on image data of a document obtained by reading by the CCD reading unit 3. Specifically, image processing such as shading correction, γ correction, enlargement / reduction processing (pixel data interpolation processing or thinning-out processing) is performed on image data output by the CCD reading unit 3 reading an image of a document. Do as needed.

  The codec 5 encodes (decodes) image data. Here, the image data of the document that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 4 is encoded, and the encoded image data is decoded.

  The image memory 6 stores image data such as image data encoded by the codec 5, image data directly output from the image processing unit 4, and image data received by facsimile. Although not shown, when a local area network (LAN) to which the client PC is connected and the MFP 100 are communicably connected, the image data transferred from the client PC can be stored in the image memory 6. Further, although not shown, when the Internet to which the Internet facsimile apparatus is connected and the MFP 100 are communicably connected, the image data attached as an image file to the electronic mail received from the Internet facsimile apparatus is stored in the image memory 6. You can also

  The recording unit 7 records the image of the image data read from the image memory 6 on a recording sheet. As a recording method in the recording unit 7, various recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet recording method can be used. The recording unit 7 records an image based on the image data read from the image memory 6 on a recording sheet.

  The RF reader / writer 8 reads information from an RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) tag by wireless communication and writes information to the RFID tag by wireless communication, and is disposed on the scanning carriage 35. Although not shown, the RFID tag includes an ultra-small IC (integrated circuit) chip and a coiled antenna for wireless communication. The IC chip includes a storage unit (storage medium), a power supply rectification unit, A transmission unit, a reception unit and the like are provided. When the RFID tag receives the radio wave oscillated by the RF reader / writer 8, an electromotive force is generated in the RFID tag due to a resonance action, and the RFID tag transmits information previously written in the storage unit by the generated electromotive force. The RF reader / writer 8 reads information from the storage unit by receiving the information transmitted from the RFID tag in this way. Further, when the RFID tag receives the information transmitted from the RF reader / writer 8, the information is written in the storage unit. Such an RFID tag is attached to a document by embedding (inserting) or attaching it. When the RF reader / writer 8 reads the information from the storage unit of the RFID tag in which information about the document is written in advance when attached to the document, information about the document can be obtained. Further, when the RF reader / writer 8 writes information relating to the original in the storage unit of the RFID tag attached to the original, it becomes possible to appropriately manage and process the original. Here, the information on the manuscript includes, for example, information on the use of manuscripts such as copy prohibition and confidentiality, information on manuscript creation sources such as the creating department and creator, manuscript creation date and time, identification number, manuscript name, etc. This is basic information and information related to document processing settings such as the reading mode and resolution.

  When the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of an original as an FBS, the RF reader / writer 8 uses a scanning carriage 35 that moves horizontally with respect to the platen glass 101a from the RFID tag of the original placed on the platen glass 101a. Is read. Further, when the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document conveyed by the ADF 2, information is read from the RFID tag of the document passing through the reading position P by a scanning carriage 35 stationary below the platen glass 101b.

  In the case of simultaneous reading reading in which the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of the original from the scanning carriage 35 that moves relative to the original and the RF reader / writer 8 reads information from an RFID tag attached to the original, the CCD reading The unit 3 moves the scanning carriage 35 at a lower speed than the normal speed in the dedicated reading for reading the image of the document. This requires a predetermined communication time (for example, 30 ms) for the RF reader / writer 8 to read all the information from the RFID tag of the document. Therefore, in order for the RF reader / writer 8 to read all the information from the RFID tag, the communication is performed. This is because the RFID tag needs to exist within the communication range of the RF reader / writer 8 for more than time. The scanning carriage 35 may move at a normal speed by shifting after the RF reader / writer 8 reads all information from the RFID tag of the document.

  On the other hand, the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of the original from the scanning carriage 35 that moves relative to the original, and the RF reader / writer 8 detects whether or not the RFID tag is attached to the original. In this case, the CCD reading unit 3 moves the scanning carriage 35 at the same speed as the normal speed in the dedicated reading for reading the image of the document. This is because the RFID tag of the document and the RF reader / writer 8 transmit and receive, and a predetermined short communication time (for example, 5 ms) is required to detect the presence or absence of the RFID tag. In the case of simultaneous detection reading, the scanning carriage 35 may be moved at a lower speed than the normal speed.

  When writing information using the FBS, the RF reader / writer 8 detects the RFID tag by the scanning carriage 35 that moves horizontally with respect to the platen glass 101a, and stops at the position where the RFID tag is detected. Information is written to the RFID tag of the document placed on the platen glass 101a. When writing information using the ADF 2, the RFID tag is detected by the scanning carriage 35 stationary at the standby position, and immediately after the RFID tag is detected, the information is written to the RFID tag of the document whose conveyance has been stopped. .

  The RF reader / writer 8 has a communication range set in advance so that information can be read and written regardless of the position in the width direction of the document where the RFID tag is attached. The RF reader / writer 8 has a communication range so that information can be read and written only to an RFID tag attached to a document placed on the platen glass 101a or a document passing through the reading position P. A document that does not reach the document tray 21 or the paper discharge tray 23 is used. The RF reader / writer 8 does not read or write information on the RFID tag of the document placed on the document tray 21 or the paper discharge tray 23.

  The operation unit 9 reads an image of a document, records an image such as a copy, writes information by the RF reader / writer 8, a start key for instructing start of transmission, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a destination number, and the like Various operation keys linked to the notification unit 10 such as cursor keys and button keys for inputting various settings are provided. The operation unit 9 and a part of the control unit 1 function as a start instruction receiving unit that receives start instructions for the reading operation, the recording operation, and the writing operation. The operation unit 9 and a part of the control unit 1 function as a reading setting receiving unit that receives reading settings.

  The notification unit 10 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various notification screens and operation states of the MFP 100 with characters and graphics, a speaker that performs a notification operation by sounding a buzzer sound, and the like. . Note that the LCD is of a touch panel type, and various operations can be performed by a user touching the screen of the LCD with a finger or the like instead of the operation unit 9.

  The ROM 11 stores various programs for controlling the operation of each unit of the MFP 100 by the control unit 1.

  The RAM 12 stores various data such as processing setting information and operation information used for processing operations of the MFP 100 in a readable and writable state. The RAM 12 stores information read by the RF reader / writer 8 and information to be written by the RF reader / writer 8. The processing setting information stored in the RAM 12 includes reading setting information indicating reading settings set when reading an image of a document. In this reading setting, the RF reader / writer 8 simultaneously reads the information from the RFID tag attached to the original when reading the original image, and the RF reader / writer 8 simultaneously reads the original image when reading the original image. Either a simultaneous detection reading setting for detecting whether or not an RFID tag is attached to the document, or a dedicated reading setting for not operating the RF reader / writer 8 at the same time when reading an image of the document. The reading setting information can be changed by the user inputting from the operation unit 9, and the changed reading setting information is stored in the RAM 12. Although not shown, when the LAN to which the client PC is connected and the MFP 100 are communicably connected, the reading setting information may be input from the client PC. By reading the reading setting information stored in the RAM 12, it is determined which reading setting is set. The RAM 12 and a part of the control unit 1 function as reading setting setting means for setting reading settings.

  The modem 13 is a ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation V.3. Modulate and demodulate transmitted / received data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 14 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make / receive a call, and is connected to the PSTN 16.

  In MFP 100 configured as described above, when an original image is read as an FBS, scanning carriage 35 moves along the platen glass 101a from the standby position, the original image is read by CCD line sensor 34, and the original image is read. Is completely read, the scanning carriage 35 is returned to the standby position. At this time, when the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set, the scanning carriage 35 moves at a low speed, and information is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag of the document by the RF reader / writer 8. When the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the scanning carriage 35 moves at a normal speed, and the RF reader / writer 8 detects whether an RFID tag is attached to the document. When it is detected that an RFID tag is attached to the document, it is necessary to read information from the storage unit of the RFID tag. Therefore, the scanning carriage 35 is moved again to the position where the RFID tag is detected, the scanning carriage 35 moves or stops at this position at a low speed, information is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag by the RFID reader / writer 8, and then scanning is performed. The carriage 35 is returned to the standby position. When the dedicated reading setting is set, the scanning carriage 35 is moved at the normal speed and the RF reader / writer 8 is not operated.

  On the other hand, when an image of a document is read using the ADF 2, the document placed on the document tray 21 is first fed to the conveyance path 22 by the paper feed roller 24 of the ADF 2. The document fed into the transport path 22 is transported by the transport roller 25 and reversed so as to make a U-turn from the top to the bottom along the transport path 22 to reach the reading position P immediately above the platen glass 101b. The original image is read by the CCD reading unit 3 which stops at the standby position when the original passes the reading position P, and then the original is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by the discharge roller 26. At this time, when the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set, the conveying roller 25 is driven to rotate at a low speed to convey the original at a low speed, and when the original passes the reading position P, the RF reader / writer 8 performs RFID of the original. Read information from the tag storage. When the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the conveyance roller 25 is driven to rotate at a normal speed to convey the original at a normal speed, and when the original passes the reading position P, the RFID tag is attached to the original by the RF reader / writer 8. Whether or not is attached is detected. When it is detected that an RFID tag is attached to the document, it is necessary to read information from the storage unit of the RFID tag. However, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23, and information cannot be automatically read from the storage unit of the RFID tag. Therefore, the notification unit 10 notifies that the document is urged to be placed again on the document tray 21, the document placed on the document tray 21 is conveyed by the ADF 2, and the document passing through the reading position P at a low speed is notified. The RF reader / writer 8 reads information from the storage unit of the RFID tag. When the dedicated reading setting is set, the transport roller 25 is rotated at a normal speed to transport the original at a normal speed, and the RF reader / writer 8 is not operated.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on platen glass 101a is read as FBS will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, it is determined whether or not an original is placed on the platen glass 101a and an instruction to start reading the original is issued (S1). Specifically, when the detection sensor detects that a document is placed on the platen glass 101a and the start key of the operation unit 9 is pressed, it is determined that a document reading start instruction has been issued. If it is determined that there is no document reading start instruction (S1: NO), a standby state is entered. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to start reading a document has been issued (S1: YES), it is determined whether or not simultaneous reading and reading settings are set (S2).

  When it is determined that the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set (S2: YES), it is determined whether or not the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S3). Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S3: YES), the reading operation is on standby until the recording operation of the recording unit 7 is completed. When the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation to process a job for recording an image on a plurality of recording sheets, the reading operation is waited until the recording operation of the recording sheet on which an image is being recorded is completed. However, the reading operation may be waited until all the jobs are processed. Further, when there are a plurality of jobs to be processed by the recording unit 7, even if the reading operation waits until the job being processed ends, the reading operation waits until all the jobs to be processed are ended. There may be. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is not performing the recording operation (S3: NO), the CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 is moved to the platen glass while moving the scanning carriage 35 from the standby position at a low speed. A reading operation is performed on the image of the document placed on 101a, and the RF reader / writer 8 performs a reading operation (S4). After all the images of the original are read, the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S5), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the simultaneous reading and reading setting is not set (S2: NO), it is determined whether or not the simultaneous detection reading setting is set (S6). When it is determined that the simultaneous detection reading setting is set (S6: YES), the CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 is placed on the platen glass 101a while moving the scanning carriage 35 at a normal speed. A reading operation is performed on the image of the placed document, and the RF reader / writer 8 performs an RFID tag detection operation (S7). When the RFID tag is detected (S8: YES), after all the images of the document are read, the scanning unit 35 is moved to the position where the RF reader / writer 8 detects the RFID tag, and the RF reader / writer 8 performs a reading operation ( S9). After reading all the information of the RFID tag, the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S5). On the other hand, when reading of the image of the document is finished and no RFID tag is detected (S8: NO), the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S5), and the process is finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the simultaneous detection reading setting is not set (S6: NO), it is determined that the dedicated reading setting is set, so that the scanning carriage 35 is moved while moving the scanning carriage 35 at the normal speed. The CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the platen performs a reading operation on the image of the document placed on the platen glass 101a (S10). After all the images of the original are read, the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S5), and the process ends.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on document tray 21 is read using ADF 2 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, it is determined whether or not an original is placed on the original tray 21 and an instruction to start reading the original is issued (S11). Specifically, when the detection sensor detects that a document is placed on the document tray 21 and the start key of the operation unit 9 is pressed, it is determined that a document reading start instruction has been issued. If it is determined that there is no document reading start instruction (S11: NO), a standby state is entered. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an instruction to start reading a document (S11: YES), it is determined whether the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set (S12).

  When it is determined that the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set (S12: YES), it is determined whether or not the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S13). Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S13: YES), the reading operation is on standby until the recording operation of the recording unit 7 is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is not performing the recording operation (S13: NO), the CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 positioned at the standby position is moved to the reading position P while conveying the document at a low speed. A reading operation is performed on the image of the original document passing through, and the RF reader / writer 8 performs a reading operation (S14).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the simultaneous reading and reading setting is not set (S12: NO), it is determined whether or not the simultaneous detection reading setting is set (S15). When it is determined that the simultaneous detection reading setting is set (S15: YES), the CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 positioned at the standby position is moved to the reading position P while the document is conveyed at a normal speed. A reading operation is performed on the image of the original document passing through, and the RF reader / writer 8 performs an RFID tag detection operation (S16). When the RFID tag is detected (S17: YES), the reading operation is stopped and the image data obtained by the reading is discarded (S18). Then, it notifies that the RFID tag is attached to the document and that it is necessary to read the document again (S19). Specifically, an RFID tag is attached to the read document, such as “The scanned document has an RFID tag. Please place it again on the document tray” on the LCD of the notification unit 10. And a message prompting the user to place the document on the document tray 21 in order to read the image of the document and read information from the RFID tag. Note that the message may prompt the user to place the document on the platen glass 101a. Then, the simultaneous detection reading setting is set (S20), and the process ends. Thereafter, when the user places the document on the document tray 21 and presses the start button of the operation unit 9, the image of the document is read and information is read from the RFID tag (S11 to S14). Note that the entire reader image may be read in S28 without stopping the reading operation, and the RF reader / writer 8 may perform only the reading operation when the document placed on the document tray 21 is conveyed again. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the simultaneous detection reading setting is not set (S15: NO), it is determined that the dedicated reading setting is set, so that the scanning positioned at the standby position while conveying the document at the normal speed. The CCD reading unit 3 disposed on the carriage 35 performs a reading operation on the image of the document passing the reading position P (S21).

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when information is written to an RFID tag attached to a document placed on platen glass 101a using FBS will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, it is determined whether or not an original is placed on the platen glass 101a and an instruction to start writing information on an RFID tag attached to the original is issued (S31). Specifically, when the detection sensor detects that a document is placed on the platen glass 101a, and when a write setting is input through the operation unit 9 and a start key is pressed, information is written. It is determined that there is a start instruction. If it is determined that there is no instruction to start writing information (S31: NO), a standby state is entered. Conversely, if it is determined that there is an instruction to start writing information (S31: YES), it is determined whether or not the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S32). Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S32: YES), the writing operation is in a standby state until the recording operation of the recording unit 7 is completed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is not performing the recording operation (S32: NO), the RF reader / writer 8 starts the detection operation while moving the scanning carriage 35 from the standby position at the normal speed (S33). When the RFID tag is detected (S34: YES), the scanning unit 35 is stopped (S35), and the RF reader / writer 8 performs an information writing operation (S36). After writing information in the RFID tag, the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S37), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the RFID tag is not detected (S34: NO), it is determined whether or not the scanning carriage 35 has moved to below the document edge (S38). Specifically, the determination is made by comparing the size of the original detected by the detection sensor with the moving distance of the scanning carrier 35. If it is determined that the scanning carriage 35 has not moved below the document edge (S38: NO), the RF reader / writer 8 continues the detection operation while moving the scanning carriage 35 at a normal speed as it is (S34). If it is determined that the scanning carriage 35 has moved to the position below the document edge (S38: YES), it is notified that the RFID tag is not attached to the document (S39). Specifically, a message such as “The RFID tag is not attached to the document” is displayed on the LCD of the notification unit 10. Then, the scanning unit 35 is returned to the standby position (S37), and the process ends.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when information is written to an RFID tag attached to a document placed on document tray 21 using ADF 2 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, it is determined whether or not an original is placed on the original tray 21 and an instruction to start writing information to an RFID tag attached to the original is given (S41). Specifically, when the detection sensor detects that a document has been placed on the document tray 21, and when a write setting is input through the operation unit 9 and a start key is pressed, information is written. It is determined that there is a start instruction. If it is determined that there is no information write start instruction (S41: NO), the standby state is entered. Conversely, if it is determined that there is an information write start instruction (S41: YES), it is determined whether or not the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation (S42). Here, when it is determined that the recording unit 7 is performing the recording operation (S42: YES), the writing operation is in a standby state until the recording operation of the recording unit 7 is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording unit 7 is not performing the recording operation (S42: NO), the RF reader / writer disposed on the scanning carriage 35 located at the standby position while the document is being conveyed at the normal speed by the conveying roller 25. 8 starts the RFID tag detection operation (S43). When the RFID tag is detected (S44: YES), the transport roller 25 is immediately stopped (S45), and the RF reader / writer 8 performs an information writing operation (S46). After the information is written in the RFID tag, the driving of the conveying roller 25 is started, the original is conveyed at a normal speed, discharged to the discharge tray 23 (S47), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the RFID tag is not detected (S44: NO), it is determined whether or not all the documents have passed the reading position P (S48). Specifically, for example, the determination is made based on whether or not the reflected light of the light emitted from the light source 31 is input to the CCD line sensor 34. When it is determined that all the documents have not passed the reading position P (S48: NO), the RF reader / writer 8 continues the detection operation while conveying the document as it is at a normal speed (S44). If it is determined that all the documents have passed through the reading position P (S48: YES), it is notified that the RFID tag is not attached to the document (S49). Specifically, a message such as “The RFID tag is not attached to the document” is displayed on the LCD of the notification unit 10. Then, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23 (S47), and the process is finished.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image is recorded on recording paper by recording unit 7 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, it is determined whether an instruction to start image recording has been given (S31). Specifically, it is determined that an instruction to start image recording has been given, for example, when the recording setting is input through the operation unit 9 and the start key is pressed, or when facsimile data is received. If it is determined that there is no instruction to start image recording (S51: NO), a standby state is entered. Conversely, when it is determined that an instruction to start image recording has been given (S51: YES), it is determined whether or not the RF reader / writer 8 is performing a reading operation or a writing operation (S52). If it is determined that the RF reader / writer 8 is performing a reading operation or a writing operation (S52: YES), the recording operation is in a standby state until the RF reader / writer 8 is completing the reading operation or the writing operation. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the RF reader / writer 8 is not performing a reading operation or a writing operation (S52: NO), the recording unit 7 starts recording an image on a recording sheet (S53).

  As described above, according to the MFP 100, the recording operation of the recording unit 7 and the reading operation or writing operation of the RF reader / writer 8 are not performed simultaneously. Therefore, the RF reader / writer 8 can read and write information without receiving noise due to the influence of electromagnetic waves accompanying the recording operation of the recording unit 7, and there is no possibility that the information reading accuracy and writing accuracy will be reduced.

  Further, when the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set, when the recording unit 7 performs a recording operation when receiving an instruction to start reading the original, the original reading operation is performed after the recording unit 7 finishes the recording operation. Since the recording operation of the recording unit 7 and the reading operation of the RF reader / writer 8 are not performed at the same time, there is no possibility that the information reading accuracy will be lowered.

  Further, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, the recording unit starts the reading operation of the document when the document reading start instruction is received regardless of whether or not the recording unit 7 is performing the recording operation. 7 and the detection operation of the RF reader / writer 8 can be performed simultaneously, and the time required for the operation can be shortened.

  Further, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set in the image reading of the document using the FBS, when the RF reader / writer 8 detects the RFID tag, the RF reader / writer 8 reads the document after reading the image of the document. The scanning unit 35 is moved to the detected position, and the RF reader / writer 8 reads the information. Therefore, information can be automatically read from the RFID tag even when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set.

  In addition, when the simultaneous detection reading setting is set in the image reading of the document using the ADF 2, when the RF reader / writer 8 detects the RFID tag, the image reading is stopped and the document image is read again. The notification unit 10 is notified and the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set. Therefore, the user can recognize that the RFID tag is attached to the document. In addition, by automatically setting the simultaneous reading and reading setting, it becomes possible to reliably read information from the RFID tag of the document to be read next, and the user has to set the simultaneous reading and reading setting. Can be omitted.

  Further, since a part of the CCD reading unit 3 and the RF reader / writer 8 are arranged on the scanning carriage 35, when the simultaneous reading reading setting and the simultaneous detection reading setting are set, the scanning carriage 35 is used when the FBS is used. Is moved along the document placement plate 101a, so that the reading operation of the CCD reading unit 3 and the reading operation or detection operation of the RF reader / writer 8 are simultaneously performed on the document placed on the document placement plate 101a. Can do. When the ADF 2 is used, the reading operation of the CCD reading unit 3 and the reading operation or detection operation of the RF reader / writer 8 can be performed simultaneously by the scanning carriage 35 stopped at the standby position. Therefore, the structure of the MFP 100 can be simplified and the device cost, the device volume, and the like can be suppressed.

  Further, after the image of the original is read, or after the RF reader / writer 8 writes information, the scanning carriage 35 is moved back to the standby position. For this reason, when there is a next start instruction, it is not necessary to return the scanning carriage 35 to the standby position, so that the operation can be started immediately.

  In addition, when the recording unit 7 is performing a recording operation when an information writing start instruction is received, the RF reader / writer 8 writes information after the recording unit 7 finishes the recording operation. There is no risk of decline. If the RF reader / writer 8 is performing a read operation or a write operation when an image recording start instruction is received, the recording unit 7 starts the recording operation after the RF reader / writer 8 finishes these operations. Therefore, there is no possibility that the reading accuracy and writing accuracy of information are lowered.

  The configuration of MFP 100 shown in the present embodiment is only one aspect of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, an example in which an image of a document can be read by either FBS or ADF 2 has been shown, but an image of a document may be read by only FBS or only by ADF.

  Further, although an example in which any one of the three reading settings of the simultaneous reading reading setting, the simultaneous detection reading setting, and the dedicated reading setting is set is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the simultaneous reading / reading setting is not set, the RF reader / writer 8 may always perform the detection operation simultaneously with the image reading. As a result, the RFID tag attached to the document can be reliably detected. Further, it may be possible to set a pre-read reading setting in which the RF reader / writer 8 reads information from an RFID tag attached to the document before reading the image of the document. Thereby, it is possible to read an image of a document based on information read in advance.

  Furthermore, although the embodiment has been described in which the image recording apparatus is implemented as MFP 100, the image recording apparatus is not limited to MFP 100, and can be applied to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, and a complex machine thereof. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing an upper portion of MFP 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when reading an image of a document placed on platen glass 101a as FBS. 5 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on document tray 21 is read using ADF 2. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when information is written to an RFID tag of a document placed on platen glass 101a using FBS. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when information is written to an RFID tag of a document placed on document tray 21 using ADF2. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when recording unit 7 records an image.

Explanation of symbols

1 control unit (start instruction receiving means)
2 ADF (automatic document feeder)
3 CCD reading unit (reading means)
7 Recording section (recording means)
8 RF reader / writer (reading means, writing means)
9 Operation part (start instruction receiving means)
10 Notification unit 11 ROM
12 RAM
21 Document Tray 22 Transport Path 35 Scanning Carriage 100 MFP (Image Recording Device)
101a Platen glass (original plate)
101b platen glass

Claims (10)

Reading means for reading an image of a document;
Reading means for reading out information from a storage medium attached to the original by wireless communication;
Recording means for recording an image on recording paper,
An image recording apparatus, wherein the reading operation of the reading means and the recording operation of the recording means are not performed simultaneously. A start instruction receiving means for receiving a start instruction for a recording operation of the recording means or a reading operation of the reading means;
If the reading means is performing a reading operation when the start instruction receiving means receives an instruction to start the recording operation of the recording means, the recording means starts the recording operation after the reading means has finished the reading operation. And
If the recording means is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving means accepts an instruction to start the reading operation of the reading means, the reading means starts the reading operation after the recording means finishes the recording operation. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the simultaneous reading and reading setting is set in which the reading unit reads the image of the document and the reading unit reads the information from the storage medium attached to the document by wireless communication, the start instruction receiving unit is 2. When the recording device is performing a recording operation when receiving a reading operation start instruction, the reading device starts the reading operation after the recording device has finished the recording operation. 2. The image recording apparatus according to 2.   When a simultaneous detection reading setting is set in which the reading unit reads the image of the document and the reading unit detects whether or not a storage medium is attached to the document by wireless communication, the start instruction receiving unit The image according to claim 3, wherein when receiving an instruction to start a reading operation of the reading unit, the reading unit starts the reading operation regardless of whether or not the recording unit is performing a recording operation. Recording device.   When the simultaneous detection reading setting is set, when the reading unit detects the presence of the storage medium, the reading unit stops the reading operation, informs that the image of the original is read again, and reads the simultaneous reading and reading. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting is set. The reading means scans a document placed on the document placement plate by scanning a scanning carriage that moves along the document placement plate, and reads an image of the document;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is provided in the scanning carriage.   7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the reading unit reads information from a storage medium attached to the document placed on the document placing plate, the scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position. Image recording device.   Along with the movement of the scanning carriage, the reading unit reads an image of the document placed on the document placing plate, the reading unit reads information from a storage medium attached to the document, and the reading unit 8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein after all the images of the original are read, the scanning carriage is moved back to the standby position. Recording means for recording an image on recording paper;
Writing means for writing information to the storage medium attached to the recording paper by wireless communication,
An image recording apparatus, wherein the recording operation of the recording means and the writing operation of the writing means are not performed simultaneously. A start instruction receiving means for receiving a start instruction for a recording operation of the recording means or a writing operation of the writing means;
If the writing means is performing a writing operation when the start instruction receiving means receives an instruction to start the recording operation of the recording means, the recording means Start the recording operation,
If the recording unit is performing a recording operation when the start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start the writing operation of the writing unit, the writing unit writes the data after the recording unit completes the recording operation. The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an image recording operation is started.

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